Land Drainage Services

What is Land Drainage?

Land drainage plays a vital role in protecting buildings from water-related damage and maintaining the integrity of foundations.

Land drainage services manage excess water around properties, preventing soil saturation and water ingress. This typically involves installing a network of perforated pipes to redirect water away from buildings, protecting foundations and preventing damp issues in walls and floors. time.

Close up of a waterlogged garden with raining falling

Why Land Drainage Matters

Land drainage is crucial for several reasons, including:

Foundation Protection:
Land drainage systems help prevent water accumulation around building foundations, reducing the risk of structural damage, settlement, and basement flooding.

Moisture Control:
By redirecting excess water away from structures, land drainage aids in controlling moisture levels in walls and floors, preventing issues like condensation, damp, and mould growth.

Soil Stability:
Effective drainage improves soil stability around buildings, reducing the risk of soil erosion and landslides that could compromise structural integrity.

Complementing Waterproofing Systems:
Land drainage works in tandem with waterproofing solutions, providing an additional layer of protection against water ingress.

Preventing Hydrostatic Pressure:
By managing groundwater levels, land drainage systems help alleviate hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and floors, which is crucial for maintaining waterproof barriers.

Landscape Preservation:
Proper drainage ensures that landscaped areas around buildings remain usable and aesthetically pleasing by preventing waterlogging.

Long-term Structural Health:
By managing water effectively, land drainage contributes to the long-term health and stability of buildings, potentially reducing maintenance costs over time.

Our Land Drainage Expertise

Our Areas of Expertise Include:

  • Properties with high water tables

  • Areas prone to flooding

  • Buildings experiencing water ingress issues

Our Solutions Include:

  • Installation of perforated pipe systems

  • Implementation of sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS)

  • French drain installation

  • Landscaping for optimal water management

Case Study: Resolving Complex Water Issues

We recently tackled a challenging project involving a relatively new property built in a flood-prone area. This case underscores the importance of thorough planning and proper drainage systems.

The Problem:

We encountered a severe water ingress issue where cavity walls were filled with water above insulation levels. This led to water-soaked insulation transferring moisture above the Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) or Damp Proof Course (DPC). As a result, the property experienced internal issues that mimicked rising damp, but were in fact symptoms of a much more complex water management problem.

That’s why it is so important to accurately diagnose water issues to provide the correct solution.

Thorough Investigation:

To address the water ingress issue, we began by removing sections of brickwork to access the affected areas. We then extracted the bottom 1.5 metres of insulation, which had become saturated with water, compromising its effectiveness. After resolving the underlying moisture problem, we carefully repaired the brickwork to restore the structural integrity of the property, ensuring a solid foundation for further waterproofing measures.

Our Solution:

Our solution for this property took a while to put together. To fully understand the drainage issues, we needed to conduct a comprehensive site analysis. We used GPS technology to accurately trace and map the existing drainage system. We analysed local water authority records, gathering historical data and official documentation to inform our approach.

To complete our assessment, we performed a land radar survey, also known as a topographical survey. This allowed us to create a detailed 3D model of the land's surface and subsurface features, revealing crucial information about the property's topography and potential water flow patterns.

Custom Drainage Design:

Our investigation provided us with the necessary data to design an effective, tailored drainage solution for the property. We looked at all the options from sump pumps to a SUDS system and considered all the associated short-, medium-, and long-term costs as well as the pros and cons.

We opted for a combination of a SUDS system on both sides of the property and used the top of the ring beam and cavity (now clear of any insulation materials) to run the water around the property, through the garage, and across the driveway to a storm drain. The upfront costs were relatively high but the long-term benefits mean there are no running costs and no ongoing maintenance necessary. Also, and most importantly, the property is dry and saleable which it wasn’t before we started the works.

  • While both issues involve excess moisture, they have distinct causes and characteristics.

    Land drainage problems typically result from water accumulation in the soil surrounding a property. This can be due to factors like poor surface water management, high water tables, or impermeable soil. The water tends to affect the property externally first, potentially leading to issues like waterlogged gardens, foundation problems, or water ingress through walls above ground level.

    Rising damp, on the other hand, is specifically caused by groundwater moving upwards through porous building materials due to capillary action. It typically affects the lower portions of walls, usually up to about 1.5 meters high. Rising damp is often a result of a missing or damaged damp-proof course (DPC) in the building's structure.

  • Signs that your property may need land drainage include persistent dampness in your basement or ground floor, water pooling in your yard after rain, soggy or waterlogged areas in your garden, and visible water stains on walls or floors. If you notice any of these issues, it's advisable to have a professional assessment.

  • While land drainage can help manage external water sources that contribute to damp issues, it's important to note that what appears to be rising damp may sometimes be a symptom of a more complex water management problem. Our thorough assessment process helps identify the true cause of moisture issues, allowing us to implement the most effective solution, which may include land drainage as part of a comprehensive approach.

  • The duration of a land drainage installation can vary depending on the size of the property, the complexity of the issue, and the specific solution required. A small residential project might take 1-2 days, while larger or more complex installations could take a week or more. We always provide a detailed timeline after our initial assessment.

  • While some disruption is inevitable during installation, we strive to minimise impact on your property. Our team uses specialised equipment and techniques to install drainage systems efficiently. We always discuss the process with you beforehand and take care to restore any affected areas once the installation is complete. In many cases, the long-term benefits to your garden's health and usability far outweigh any temporary disruption.

Protect Your Property

Don't let water issues compromise your property's integrity. Contact us today for a thorough assessment and effective land drainage solutions.